City Manager's Department
Jim Cox serves as the City Manager. As the City’s top administrator, Mr. Cox is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City and to ensure that the policies developed by the City Council are executed. Beyond responsibility for the overall operations of the City, the City Manager’s Department also provides support to the City Council in numerous areas including strategic planning, intergovernmental relations, and legislation.
About City Manager Jim Cox
Considered one of the most respected and experienced city managers in the State of California, James L. Cox brings over 40 years of municipal experience to the City of Victorville.
Jim Cox began his career in city government in 1966 with the City of Indio where he served as an Administrative Assistant to the City Manager and as the Data Processing Specialist. He then began what would be his first tenure with the City of Victorville in 1967. He began as an Administrative Assistant in charge of Finance, Human Resources and later was named Director of Planning and Assistant City Manager.
He was named City Manager in December of 1969 and held that position until 2000. During his tenure, the City grew from a population of less than 10,000 to 65,000. He led the commercial development of the City, as well as the effort to redevelop the former George Air Force Base after its closure in 1992. Today, the former airport is home to industry giants such as GE and Pratt & Whitney, as well as Newell Rubbermaid.
During his tenure as City Manager, he was named to the Board of Directors for the State of California Redevelopment Association, as well as a number of local and statewide offices. He received an appointment from former Governor George Deukmejian to the County Formation Review Committee.
Following his retirement in 2000, he served as a development consultant and later as the interim Town Manager for the Town of Apple Valley. He was also elected to the Victor Valley Water District Board of Directors in 2003 and held that position until 2007.
Community service has always been a hallmark of his leadership. Cox has also served on Victor Valley Hospital Board of Directors, Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District, and a number of local clubs and organizations including the Victor Valley Am-Vets Post 7007.
He has lived in Victorville for 41 years, and has six children and seven grandchildren. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged.